WLS Veteran's Forum

So this might be a stupid question, but I'm curious to see if anyone with the the band has done or is doing waist training? What are your thoughts?

Hi guys I'm up five pounds......and I'm very sad about it I am trying to get my act in order..I started a new job and things have gotten stressful but Im trying to get it together....

I have been trying to get my total Protein up but have not had much success. I take in 60-70 gm of protein daily and have tried to boost everything I eat so the protein is 3/4 of the meal. I have tried supplementing between meals with a Protein shake (20 gm protein low carb and low fat) but still have a low total protein (todays check was 5.7 with a normal above 7) I am getting discouraged because I have gained 7 lbs with the extra shakes. Anyone have any suggestions?

You might think with "10 years" nearing in my postOp Adventures certain basics might be no longer an issue. What does seem to be inescapable, is the incredible fickle nature of my Band, Symbiant....the Little Angel of the Silicon Fisssst...... Day 1 lunch stop: usually able to eat 1 egg, 1 bacon, 1 piece of toast. Not today....the Slimes took over after just a few nibbles. Didn't think I made error of eating. Recovery in ~20 minutes. Day 2 Breakfast on real sour dough pancakes. Able to eat 1 egg & 1 4" cake, plus 1/4 of second sourdough. Walked the thin line between the slimes & 'all is well'. Day 3 breakfast on 1 bacon & a couple bites of granol…

so i'm just posting for the sake of posting... as i'm now one year post op i get to hang out here now lol.. truth betold i think i've been here a time or few before....

For those of you that track your food, when you lost your weight what nutrients did you track? Did you just count calories or did you track Protein and carbs too? Thanks

I am two years post op to the day. I lost 122 pounds total but found 13 since my 1 year post op appt. I am 1 pound away from an "obeses" BMI again. (which really sucks because I am 149 at 5'5") My biggest struggle right now is the munchies. I drive 100 miles to and from work (200 miles round trip) and especially on the way home all I think about it eating. I bring healthy Snacks with me for the way home but they don't last very long. I try to give myself landmarks of when I can eat the next snack but that doesn't' work too well. I listen to talk radio for the company to try and get my mind off food, got internet radio so I can listen to comedians and all I think about i…

I haven’t posted in so long, or even on the site. Since my surgery back in May 2012, life has flown by and I have been happy to say I do NOT regret my decision to have this surgery. One thing I have learned is that with anything, nothing is a “quick fix”. You have to put in the work to get the results you want. Losing weight doesn’t change who you are, and neither does the demons you are fighting in your life every “go away.” I still struggle with some of the same issues I did before the surgery, such as food addiction. No matter how hard I try, I realize now that it will never go away. The reality is that even though I may not be “hungry” or even want to eat, I still ha…

So, I unexpectedly bump into my dietician in the supermarket, six months after my final appointment with him. I was really touched at how pleased he was to see me saying "you look amazing" and "you have done so well". What did I say in return? "Do you want to look at what's in my shopping basket?" WTF???? Lol!

we all put on some kind of 'face' either to deal with the world, or with our own expectatoin of how we *should but don't* look. Someone sent a link on celebrities without makeup. I didn't recognize many, but here's one to illustrate what I'm trying to talk about: I think at times in my preOp life I tried to apply OverEating as some kind of cosmetic enhancement for my imagined physcical defects. Don't think that old script plays in my eating behavior any more.

Hi, this is Reside. I am from Turkey and I had my RNY over two years ago. Before the surgery I weighed around 270 lbs and by the end of the first year I was down to my target. It was not easy (but hey no one told me it would be) but most importantly it felt great to rearrange my relationship with food. However in the past six months I feel a bit troubled with the level of carbs that I take. Foods containing while flour, such as bagels or simple bread have become difficult for me to stay away. Quitting sugar and fat was not an issue, but this relapse in consuming grains is worrying me a lot. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? I was wondering if anyone could give m…

Good morning all, I just had my surgery the 16th, and am still in the shake phase, but today when I got dressed I was hoping for my clothes to feel a little looser. They fit the same. Sorry if I'm whining, but I don't think I've lost any weight, how can that be? Since I suffer severely from depression, I don't know what my starting weight was, or what pre-surgery weight was. My first appointment is on my birthday, October second. I am on the verge of tears my peeps. Some words of kindness would be greatly appreciated from this who have traveled this road. I know there are so many larger more important issues going on in the world, but just had to vent and I apolog…

So excited about being a new mom. I've gained 45lbs with hormone treatment and with the pregnancy. Now I'm ready to get back and start my weight lost journey again. not only for my health bit to be there for my son.

Every couple of years I get a condition that doctors can't nail down. Along with a bout of Pancreatitis, I get severe, painful bloating when I eat or drink anything. I am wondering if anyone else gets this condition?

hey guys, I had lap band surgery 21st June this year so not that long ago, I have 6cc in at the moment after 2 fills and had quite a high restriction. All of a sudden I feel nothing....! to late to call my surgeons office should I be worried? has this happened to anyone before? I have looked online and looked a symptoms of a slip but dose not quite fit, I am worried my band has unbuckled or I have sprung a leak somewhere? please if you have any info let me know, thanks

I am over a year post op - 2 days ago I got stuck....after some painful wretching I finally got relief...then that night every time that I layed down vomit came up into my throat to choke me and out my nose...I 'slept' sitting up all night and this continued to happen through out the night. the next day I had half a cup of coffee...bt felt awful then at dinner I tried a few tiny bites of chicken but it wasn't going down. My dr had told me to take Zantac after getting stuck, so before bed a took a Zantac with a sip of water and once again every time fell asleep I would wake up choking.....What the heck is going on? has this ever happened to anyone?

Hi everyone sorry I don't post very often but I need some urgent advice. I'm 16 months out and over the weekend I came down with horrendous diarrhoea, hot and cold sweats and the chills. I thought it would go away and have hardly eaten anything in 3 days but it's got worse and worse and now I can barely move and have to get to the bathroom every half hour or so and it's just water coming out now. But I have horrible stomach cramps and feel wretched also constantly thirsty. I'm seeing my GP this morning but I just know they won't understand the surgery I've had and why having this problem is scary when you only have 15% of your stomach. I would be grateful for any advice p…

I haven't seen a forum topic dealing with these changes specifically. So I thought I'd start one. Has anyone noticed their xiphoid process, ribs, collar bones, and/or hip bones sticking out like never before, since losing all the weight? For example, now my xiphoid process almost sticks straight out! It never did that when I was thin. (Yes, I can remember that far back!) This next is more for the veterans and medical staff out there: And I realize collar bones and hip bones can't really move. But do our xiphoid processes and ribs go back to a flattened, smooth, new normal? Or do we have to put up with them sticking out from now on?

Hi there, I'm over a year, lost 96lb, and weigh 165. I'm bouncing with 3lbs now and want to loose fat now and tone. I'm starting with a trainer next week and we had the assessment last week. He wants me to eat more. I'm having a hard time putting on muscle and he says it's because I'm not eating enough. My cals are 1000-1100 and exercising everyday. He wants me eating 1400 and every 2 hrs, and more whole foods. I'm excited to try this WOE in combo with weight training. I'm hoping to see how much I can tighten up without surgery. I wish there was an exercise forum.

Used to hate and wouldn't allow myself to throw up ever. But since my surgery over a year ago I have almost became a pro. When something doesn't settle right in my pouch I lean over the sink get my toothbrush get it wet and just barely stick it on my tongue and up the foam comes. Doesn't hurt and doesn't scare me and wow I feel so much better. Thank goodness it doesn't happen a lot. But if my pouch starts to feel bad I gotta do it. I don't want to be in pain and feel bad.

I'm about 15 months out. I think I've had this the whole time but maybe it's just annoying me more. I get like air bubbles / trickles that constantly bubble up my throat. Like tiny little burps. But not like a burp, more like bubbles in champagne. They make a little bit of noise and it makes me self conscious. It's not like a real burp where you can sort of stifle it. I don't drink with my meals. I don't drink anything carbonated. I don't use a straw. I don't think I eat as slow as I should, but I have always struggled with that. But I wanted to post here and see if anyone has ideas. It is not what I would call a real burp so I have been having some trouble searching. …

Hi Everyone, Please be advised that the cruise leaves on 10/25/14 not 10/24. We will have a meet and greet on October 24th however at a hotel located near the port. If I do not receive deposits soon I will have to cancel this cruise, thanks!

Hi I wanted to know if anyone has tried shakeology? I am 16 months out and I have not hit my goal weight and I am trying very hard to get there......

Hi all I had my bypass in 2006 my weight loss in that year totaled at 105 then I have been on a weight loss roller coaster I put quite a bit of weight on and then I lost a bunch im now at the 85lb but my health issues are pretty serious I am in end stage renal disease I was re diagnosed with diabetes about 4 mths ago my blood sugar was at a staggering 1048 when it was discovered I dont eat as often as I have been told to I just don't desire food I have stepped up in that I walk everywhere and I feel better my sugar is under control my kidneys are stable for now but I have been really working on the diet higher protein more veggies less carbs but trying to find information…

Hi All long-termers... I will be going in for my 3 year checkup in a few months. I've done well, maintaining my loss without problem, and no issues or complaints. My question is ... Did any of you get touch-up fills after being at goal for two or more years, and if so, what led you to request one? I'm asking because I feel hungry a bit sooner than I used to after a meal, and I am thinking more about food again. When I actually diary what I am eating, it is still quite good (funny what seems like 'alot' after a few band years, lol). I will talk it over with the office when I get there, but I'm wondering about others' vet experience. Do you 'touch-up' or have you staye…

It will be five years in August since my surgery. I lost a total of 110 pounds but have regained quite a bit in the past couple of years. I am dealing with a lot of shame, depression and anger because I allowed myself to gain this weight back. I exercise five days a week, but find myself losing interest in that because I can't control what I eat and keep gaining weight. Looking for support and encouragement to get back on track. Wondering if there is a forum for those who have had regain. Thanks.

I tried posting this in my blog, but am not sure it worked. I have been walking for the past month, I guess, walking every day, either on the track at work, or on the treadmill at home. It would be an understatement to say I dislike exercise, because I was disappointed so many times when I’d get on the scale and it didn’t move. I would also be lying if I said that weight loss wasn’t important to me. Maybe this is one of those aha! Moments, although I’m sure all this stuff was in the back of my mind. I am not walking just to lose weight. I am walking to have a healthier heart. I am walking to lessen the pain in my knees from arthritis. I am walking because le…

I'm still at the beginning for this whole process but always thinking. I just started to work at a bran new school(I'm a kindergartner teacher for kid with autism) Though the school is new the building is very old with no elevator and we are on the 4th floor we actually counted and there is 114 steps to get up to our rooms. I'm hoping and trying to get then surgery during the schools winter break if not I was going to take off a Friday and if all is well go back to work Monday. My question is do you think I need to worry about all the stairs after the surgery?

Hi all, I know there are plenty of MFP add threads out there, but most of the people I added in the beginning are no longer active loggers. I figure other people might have that problem too, and I really miss getting meal/snack ideas from there when I feel like I'm in a rut. I don't want to add from those threads because then it would be mostly people in liquid/pureed stages or who are several months out and can still only consume 2-3 ounces of food at a time. I'm hoping to add more friends that are past all that, so I'm starting this so we can all add some new MFP friends in similar stages as ourselves.

Is it normal to have cravings at 10 weeks post op? I do have many cravings. Like today, it was for cornbread, milk, and onions. Worst mistake ever. Should have known better!

Need input please. Almost two weeks post op and sleeping is a major issue for me. I sleep fine, but only for about two hours, then have to get up as legs and hips are in agony. Moving around helps, I was having some swelling in my ankles as my surgeon took me off my Aldactone, which was for high blood pressure, it is a diuretic. He felt it would be better since I need to keep hydrated. Can't sleep on my back, stomach or in a recliner. I know this is temporary until everything is healed but sure would like to know how others got through sleeping. Also, my upper butt feels numb...is this normal??

Hey Everyone, It's been forever since I've been on here, but I just wanted to see if anyone else has had this same issue. I'm starting to get frusterated. I'm 17 months out from my surgery and was very fortunate to have had a mostly smooth weight loss journey along the way. A few hick ups here and there but for the most part a very successful journey, physically and emotionally. However right now where I am struggling is with stopping the weightless. It's so weird to be on the other side of this weight issue, first overweight and now underweight. Let me tell you people are just as cruel when your underweight as they are when your overweight! I've had a very stressful la…

Hello, I had my lap band done almost two years ago. About a week ago, my gyno found a rather larger cyst on my left ovary. They will be doing a laparoscopic procedure like the lap band. I just want to see if anyone has had this done? Or another laparoscopic procedure after lap band? Will my band be safe? I worry about the gas that will be used during this new surgery and what damage it can cause to my band in the long run? Help me!

Hey, I am a little over 2 years out, I've gone from 250 to 160-165 and I decided to get to 140-145. Right now at 5'6" I am large for my frame and height. I range from sizes 4-6 and still wear some 8's. What bothers me is that I still have a stomach and loose skin combined. I know I'll need plastics one day but right now I have to save money for my wedding in 3 months!! Anyways, I need some advice on starting over. I haven't worked out in a few months because I got "bored" with my routine and scared to try new things. Should I just start over with liquids? I still have restriction and try to stick no low low carb, like 20-30 a day because it keeps my blood sugar perfect (t…

I am 1.5 years out. Down 65 lbs am at goal. Last fill was in May. Everything was going fine until about a week ago. I started throwing everything up. Had the most horrid reflux all night with regurgitating and coughing. I called the doctor that of course,on vacation so another dr took out 2.5cc. Feel much better, no reflux,coughing or regurgitation. Also have NO restriction. It's such a weird feeling. I am seeing my dr on Tuesday. I am hoping to have a fill. I don't want to gain! Anyone else ever have this happen?

last night i dreamed i gained all my weight back. i am facebook friends with a woman from my local support group. i havent seen her since december. she posted some photos of herself this week and omg! she's gained back a lot of weight! it freaked me out... but not as much a another friend who had surgery at the same time and was closer to her. but i guess it affected me more than i thought.

I don't even know where to begin. I must know I need to stop the snacking, carbs and coffee drinks. my butt, hips and gut are just outta control. I never made it to goal. I just don't know what's wrong with me. I need to lose 90 lbs to get to goal. I'm right back where I started 3 yrs ago. I fear I blew my opportunity to work my sleeve! it's truly depressing... sigh...

All I can say is I need help. On May 21st I will be 2 years post op. Since my husbands diagnosis of terminal cancer in January, I have been off track. He is getting worse by the day and watching the man I know and love so much slowly disappear in front of my eyes is heartbreaking. I cry every night after he goes to sleep. I know I have to travel this journey and I'm trying so hard to hold it together. I don't think he will be here two more months. When we got married 10 years ago, I knew I had finally found my soul mate. He is 48. I guess the reason I'm writing this is to ask for encouragement or something.. I don't know really... to get back on track. I don't ea…

7 wks post op and still having full feeling in my throat and upper chest. Once I drink or eat, it feels like my stomach and throat are swollen but I don't throw up. Keeps getting get worse and worse. Anyone experienced this?

So, I have been doing better in better in spite of some difficult things in life, but recently I have had some very sad events. It is not causing me to reach for food, but it makes me hyper aware that for DECADES food would have giving me solace during these times.I am running like hell to find healthy substitutes - my friends, my family, my dogs, my horses, keeping moving. Okay, my little sister passed after a horrible horrible ending of breast cancer that spread to her bones 7 years ago - she was 39. It was traumatic and horrific for so many of us - but she and I had a special bond as we were raised "like twins". anyway, she left behind a devoted partner who returne…

I ad my RNY 11 years ago with a revision 9 years ago. I had a gasto-gastric fistula. My stomach and pouch grew a hole and I was feeding my stomach. After the revision I lost 122 pounds and felt great. 3 years ago I started to have knee problems. Already had back problems and arthritis, especially in my feet. The most exercise I get is in a pool or on a Gazelle, (which is like an elliptical but not as intense). I do work part time so I'm not too much of a slug-a-bed. Anyway, the reason for this is since my knee problem started I have felt more and more run down. I have had my thyroid checked a million times as well as B-12 and D. Yes, I forget my vitamins, all too often…

Had band for four years. Recently got a fill. When my stomach growls I get an uncomfortable pressure around my stomach. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this? It is quite uncomfortable. Thank You MRB

I am a little over 3 years out after gastric bypass. No complications, I have reached my goal weight (within one year) and I am maintaining within 10 pounds of my original goal weight. For the past month, I have averaged 1200 calories, 114 grams Protein and 22 carbs per day. Additionally, I drink 8-12 cups of Water a day and exercise moderately. This is my question / concern: I am aware that gas, flatulence and gastric bypass go hand in hand but sometimes (even not near a meal time), I will go from a flat stomach to looking like I am 6-8 months pregnant. The pressure is very uncomfortable and I don't always have access to something like Gas-X. I do have some extra …

Did you determine your goal weight or was that determined by your physician or BMI calculator? Did most of you reach the set goal?

Here's my story, I'm looking for some guidance on how you got back on track because I am feeling lost and hopeless. Wondering whether Lap Band is a total fail.... 10/08 - Banded by an out of state surgeon who is not retired (Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Aurora, CO) 08-13 - Fills done by Dr. Ricciardi in Las Vegas, NV (doctor just went out of practice) Lost 110 lbs in first year at a rate of about 2 lbs a week - followed rules very easily initially but several life experiences got me back into drinking and ignoring band rules. 07/10 - Divorce - drinking started (weight 173) 01/11 - Miscrarr…

I have been banded since '07. I have had highs and definitely lows. I lost a lot of weight, gained, and lost again and gained it back! I'm just burt out! I'm back close to my original weight. I honestly can't hold food down..somedays I might get lucky and I can eat a boca burger patty only. I'm really scared for my health. I'm 32 and I got shingles. My children's doctor was shocked and asked did I have AIDS. I said no ..I just had a baby and also recently been screened and no change of husband lol. The Dr seemed really concerned why my immune system is so low. Also I have extreme heartburn all the time and my throat hurts. I don't want esophageal cancer! I know…

I had a spectacular WHOOSH of weight loss when I first recommitted to the band-- about 15 pounds-- but in the week since not a thing. In fact the scale keeps bouncing up 3, down 3. Yesterday I weighed 231... Ate 1250 calories for the day... And today I weigh 234. I know there are always ups and down in weight loss, but this just has me ready to pull my hair out!

Hi everyone! The reason I'm posting is because I've been experiencing extremely low energy levels. If I'm being physically active I'm fine, but the moment i sit down (like to do my data analysis based job) I'm constantly fighting fatigue. I'm a 4 month old RNY, but I was at the lowest end of the BMI with comorbidity range for insurance approval, so I'm within 5-10 lbs of my final goal weight. I'm getting 70-85 g of Protein daily and an average of 1000 caloric intake. I take all recommended Vitamins and a high Vitamin D supplement. Did any of you experience this energy trough around this time (my recovery has been very easy and problem free) post-surgery? Any advice, a…

Hi everyone, It's so comforting to be back here. I haven't been on BariatricPal since it was called LapBandTalk!! It's been a long and emotional journey, to say the least. But I'm here, ready to give support and receive the support I desperately need!! I had Lap Band surgery June 22, 2012. I found out I was pregnant just 3 short months later. Just enough time to get used to the new eating habits but not enough time for them to truly be habits. I still lost while pregnant. Even with the pregnancy taking the majority of my first year, at my Bandiversary, I was down 76lbs. Now, another year later, I'm up 8-13lbs from that depending on the day. I'm still very proud of m…

I was banded in May of 2007. I did great, a model bander. I lost over 80 lbs in the first two years. Well, over a three years ago I experienced very bad acid reflux. I am talking VERY BAD acid reflux. Wake you up at night, choaking, spitting up fire. If any of you have had this you know what I am talking about. Doc put me on acid meds and helped somewhat, but not for long. So doc did an unfill and I was better, and after a while we tried to add more back. The acid came back, back on meds, did not help. We went round and round with this for over two years. I just could not do it any more. So I went in for a chek up and they did an upper GI. The band was fine, …